Morocco saw its remarkable 19-match winning streak halted on Friday with a 1-1 draw against a determined Mali in an Africa Cup of Nations Group A match.
Frustrated by the team’s inability to advance to the knockout stage, fans jeered as the host squad left the pitch. Despite being the favorites, Morocco failed to clinch a win in a match where both sides benefited from penalties awarded via VAR.
The Atlas Lions have managed to extend their unbeaten streak to 22 matches since their exit in the Round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Although Morocco dominated the first half, they relied on a penalty from Brahim Díaz to take the lead before halftime. The penalty came after a VAR review concluded that Nathan Gassama had handled the ball while trying to recover after being beaten by Díaz.
Moroccan fans tried to influence referee Abdou Abdel Mefire’s decision as he reviewed the footage, ultimately ruling in favor of the home team.
Tempers flared in the second half when Lassine Sinayoko was initially denied a penalty after being fouled by Jawad El Yamiq. After further review, Mefire awarded a penalty several minutes later.
Sinayoko successfully converted the penalty in the 64th minute, leveling the match.
Morocco surged forward, searching for a winner to satisfy their fans, but Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made crucial saves, denying attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri and thwarting an own goal by Woyo Coulibaly.
France‘s star Kylian Mbappé was in attendance at the match, reportedly invited by his close friend, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who warmed up but did not play as he is recovering from an ankle injury.
In an earlier Group A match, Zambia and Comoros ended in a 1-1 draw, following both teams’ losses in their opening games.
Mohamed Salah continued his scoring streak, netting the only goal for Egypt in their 1-0 victory over South Africa, securing Egypt’s spot in the AFCON knockout stage.
This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.